Position: Food Security & Livelihood (FSL) Officer

Reports to technically: Program Director

Reports to administratively: Program Manager

Location: Isiolo County

About Action Against Hunger (ACF)

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions advocate for change and reach 28 million people annually with proven hunger prevention and treatment programmes. Operating in 55 countries our 8990 dedicated staff members partner with communities governments and agencies to address the root causes of hunger including climate change conflict inequity and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger for everyone for good.

Action Against Hunger Kenya is part of the Action Against Hunger International network and implements integrated programmes in West Pokot Mandera Isiolo Tana River Kwale and Baringo counties.

I. Position Summary

The Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Officer will support the design implementation monitoring and reporting of evidence-based Food Security and Livelihoods interventions that contribute to improved household food security and climate-resilient livelihoods in Isiolo County. The role will provide technical and agronomic support to community groups and partners ensuring activities are delivered in line with approved project proposals donor requirements and quality standards. The position requires a proactive and results-oriented professional with strong field engagement skills and the ability to travel extensively to support farmer groups mother-to-mother support groups and local partners contributing to measurable sustainable program outcomes.

Purpose:

The Food security & Livelihood Officer support the effective implementation of Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) interventions that contribute to the prevention and reduction of malnutrition among vulnerable populations through an integrated multi-sectoral approach while ensuring quality delivery coordination with stakeholders and representation of Action Against Hunger in relevant county and sub-county coordination forums.

Engagement:

The role will actively engage communities and stakeholders to promote sustainable agriculture climate resilient practices and nutrition sensitive food systems that enhance household food security; work closely with communities local leaders elders and authorities throughout all stages of project implementation ensuring inclusive participation local ownership and effective representation of Action Against Hunger. The officer will coordinate and collaborate with Community Based Organizations local and international NGOs UN agencies and relevant national and county government departments to promote harmonized implementation avoid duplication and optimize use of resources. The officer will represent the organization in county and sub-county coordination and technical forums including Cash Agriculture Livestock and multi-sector platforms and will collaborate with internal program teams and technical leads to contribute to the development and alignment of Food Security and Livelihoods strategies.

Delivery:

The FSL Officer will contribute to the development of detailed project work plans ensuring the integration of Food Security and Livelihoods Nutrition WASH and gender-sensitive activities and support the timely and standards-compliant implementation of project activities in line with county national and international guidelines. Provide technical guidance and training to farmer groups mother-to-mother support groups (MTMSGs) and community groups on climate-smart agriculture agri-enterprise development kitchen gardens crop and livestock value addition and VSLAs. Development of procurement plans and Disbursement Implementation Plans (DIPs) raising requisitions as required and monitor budget expenditure against work plans. As well as support to compile timely program reports including weekly SitReps monthly statistical and narrative reports and quarterly and annual donor reports while supporting proposal development and contributing to evidence-based decision-making for program improvements.

1. Project planning design and implementation - (30%)

In coordination with the Program Director Program Manager Base Administration and program teams participate in the design development and implementation of Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) projects.

Promote the integration of Nutrition and WASH activities particularly those targeting mother-to-mother support groups into all livelihood initiatives to strengthen household dietary diversity and resilience.

Participate in FSL program planning organization and implementation of surveys assessments research studies and post distribution monitoring activities.

Establish and maintain positive cohesive working relationships with communities and direct project beneficiaries ensuring active listening and inclusion of women and youth perspectives.

Oversee beneficiary selection for livelihood activities (crop and livestock) and cash transfers in accordance with agreed selection criteria.

Engage and coordinate with County Government officials to ensure a clear understanding of project objectives requirements and provisions.

In liaison with the Programs Director Program Manager Base Administration and Program Officers identify funding opportunities and contribute to the development of project proposals addressing county-specific gaps.

Train farmers on agri-enterprise establishment to increase crop vegetable and livestock production while promoting the adoption of agro-ecology principles.

Build farmer capacity in value chain management and value addition with a focus on food handling preservation processing and reduction of post-harvest losses.

Promote climate-smart and conservation agriculture practices to mitigate climate change impacts including tree planting soil management and other climate-friendly initiatives.

Ensure meaningful participation of beneficiaries especially women youth persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in decision-making processes through management committees appointed leadership information sessions and administrative structures.

Create and strengthen linkages between FSL groups (women youth Person with disability and community groups) and financial institutions farmers associations cooperatives social services and private sector partners.

Work closely with Nutrition and WASH sector focal persons at both government and program levels to ensure effective integrated programming.

Ensure strong participation of communities government officers and leaders (community sub-county and county levels) throughout project development start-up implementation monitoring and evaluation phases.

In collaboration with the Program Manager and coordination team contribute to defining and refining technical strategies when required.

2. Project Monitoring Evaluation and Data Management - (20%)

Participate in the planning organization and implementation of surveys assessments and research studies including post-distribution monitoring (PDM).

Regularly monitor and evaluate the performance of Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) projects providing timely inputs feedback and analysis on the impact of ACF FSL interventions on target communities.

Support county teams in monitoring food security activities in the field including conducting market analyses for market-based programming and cash-based interventions; identify challenges and risks report findings to management and support project handover to relevant community groups local authorities and government structures.

Ensure that all beneficiary and assessment data are securely stored within the organizations database and are accessible to relevant teams in accordance with data protection standards.

Participate in community level needs assessments including household food security assessments to inform agriculture and food security interventions.

Conduct capacity assessments of smallholder farmers for agricultural interventions and facilitate private sector engagement including mentoring and coaching of farmers at the household level.

Lead and/or conduct FSL project baseline midline endline context and follow-up assessments as well as surveys as required.

Lead Food Security and Livelihoods emergency assessments response planning and coordination in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

3. Reporting documentation and communication - (20%)

4. Information exchange and cooperation with all Action Against Hunger interventions and external stakeholders - (10%)

Collaborate closely with all Action Against Hunger departments and sectors to ensure effective integration of program activities across sectors.

Strengthen and maintain partnerships with relevant County Government departments and ministries community structures beneficiaries INGOs NGOs CBOs and private sector actors to support smooth project implementation and maximize impact.

Actively participate in county-level coordination forums and platforms related to agriculture nutrition WASH gender and livelihood resilience.

5. Coordination Finance Human Resource and Logistics - (20%)

Prepare monthly cash forecasts in liaison with other program staff in line with approved work plans and project timelines.

Ensure all project expenditures are aligned with approved budget lines and comply strictly with budget limits and donor requirements.

Propose and justify anticipated budget realignments or revisions based on field realities and program needs in coordination with relevant staff.

Support the program Manager and Base Administration team in reviewing and monitoring project budgets tracking burn rates and ensuring diligent grant utilization efficient resource use and value for money.

Perform any other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor

Ensure that all staff duly complete monthly timesheets and that performance objectives are set reviewed and evaluated in accordance with the organizations performance management set guidelines.

IV. Supervisory Responsibilities

The FSL Project Officer position does not have direct line management responsibilities.

IV. Fiscal Responsibility

Prepare cash forecasts in line with approved project work plans and proactively address anticipated budget realignments in consultation with the Program Manager.

In liaison with the Project Officers monitor budget expenditure against the spending plan ensuring diligent grant utilization timely spending and value for money.

Support the Programs team during monthly Budget Forecast Update (BFU) review meetings by reviewing corrective actions and proposing necessary budget amendments or realignments to the Finance team.

V. Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to sit for long periods and to concentrate on work including typing and turn out heavy volumes of work accurately within short time frames under stressful situations in the context of a moderately noisy office with many interruptions. You must be able to proofread your own work accurately so that only minor corrections are needed on an infrequent basis.

The job also demands long journeys to remote areas of the work area with poor terrain and scorching sun and heat.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

VI. Working Conditions Travel and Environment

The duties of the job require regular job attendance for five days per week with eight hours per day however due to nature of programs may be required to work longer hours and over the weekends.

Must be able to travel as required for standard domestic based on office needs. While visiting the field the employee may be exposed to precarious settings under high security risks and/or very basic living conditions and outside weather conditions as well as infectious diseases.

VII. Gender Equality Commitments & Zero Tolerance to Abuse

Foster an environment that reinforces values of women and men and equal access to information.

Provide a work environment where women and men must be evaluated and promoted based on their skills and performance.

Promote a safe secure and respectful environment for all stakeholders particularly for children beneficiaries and members of staff.

Help to prevent any type of abuse including workplace harassment and sexual abuse and exploitation.

Respect beneficiaries women men children (boys and girls) regardless of gender sex orientation disability religion race color ancestry national origin age or marital status.

Value and respect in all cultures.

VII. Qualifications and Professional Experience

Required:

Bachelors degree in general agriculture Agronomy Agriculture Education and Extension Agriculture Economics Agribusiness Agriculture and Human Ecology Animal Science Business Development and Marketing and any other related field

Experience working in collaboration with relevant county/national government departments and INGO sectors is an advantage.

A minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in similar role implementing livelihoods food systems climate-smart agriculture or nutrition-sensitive agriculture programs preferably in rural or arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) contexts.

Knowledge of main donor requirements including UNICEF ECHO USAID EU Private donors etc.

Desired:

Proven experience working in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of Kenya with farmer groups smallholder farmers womens groups and other marginalized and vulnerable populations.

Strong knowledge of food systems approaches including agro-ecology climate-smart agriculture value chain development water harvesting technologies and household food production with proficiency in digital literacy and use of modern agronomic tools.

Solid understanding of the linkages between food systems nutrition and public health including familiarity with county and sub-county health and agriculture structures.

Strong computer skills with demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.

Ability to work effectively in challenging environments with minimal supervision manage multiple priorities and deliver quality results within tight timelines.

Demonstrated capacity to engage constructively with local authorities government counterparts and local partners.

Excellent organizational coordination and report writing skills.